Strikes by Billingham workers employed by Hargreaves Industrial Services at CF Fertiliser’s plant have been called off after Unite secured an improved pay offer.

The majority of workers, who pack and load ammonium nitrate produced at the County Durham site, will see their pay increase from £11.55 to £14 an hour – a rise of 21.2 per cent.

Higher paid roles will also receive substantial pay rises and all workers will see their shift allowance increase by 75 per cent.

The new rates will be back paid from April 2024 and workers with five years continuous service will gain two days extra annual leave.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hargreaves’ Billingham workforce achieved a fantastic deal by standing together in their union. They know that Unite does what it says on the trade union tin: Win better jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”

The deal, struck during the first set of negotiations since Unite signed a recognition deal with Hargreaves in June 2023, was secured without the need for industrial action. Strikes scheduled from 12 to 20 September have now been called off.

Unite regional officer Neil Howells said: “Congratulations to Unite’s workplace reps at Hargreaves who worked incredibly hard to secure this deal for their members’ at the plant. Unite is always there to support workers who want to organise for better wages and to improve working lives.”